Tag Archive for: Guide

Remote Operated Gate Control System
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Introduction
This project began life in 2017 when the author had just begun experimentation with GPIO pins on a Raspberry Pi 3. At that point in time…

Hybrid AI Video Codecs and Modern Streaming Techniques
Introduction
AI and Hybrid Codecs
Modern Video codecs are all based on similar principles. Recently, these have been complemented by AI techniques,…

Sinc Function & Upsampling in Digital Audio Explained
Introduction
This elaborates some of the claims in my insights article on digital audio.
The Sinc Function
Upsampling and Zero Insertion
The first link…

Modern DACs, Dither, DXD & High-Res Audio Explained
Introduction
First, we need some background in Digital Signals. This can be mathematically quite advanced, but since I would like this article to be accessible…

Why ChatGPT Is Unreliable: Design Limits and Misconceptions
ChatGPT's reliability
I'll start with the simple fact: ChatGPT is not a reliable answerer to questions.
Wolfram's explanation
To try to explain why from…

What Are Infinitesimals – Simple Version
Introduction
When I learned calculus, the intuitive idea of infinitesimal was used. These are real numbers so small that, for all practical purposes (say…

A Lesson In Teaching Physics: You Can’t Give It Away
A central principle of Physics Forums regarding homework help is not to provide solutions on demand but to guide students along a path to the answer. The…

Program ATmega8A with Arduino: Step-by-Step Guide
Introduction
If you are interested in programming and electronics, you probably do not need an introduction to Arduino. If you want to make your Arduino…

Quantum Computing Explained: Qubits, Algorithms & Applications
Overview
This article provides an accessible introduction to quantum computing, a cutting-edge technology that processes certain types of information…

LCEVC and EVC: Efficient Video Encoding Guide for 8K
Introduction
Background: H.264 and H.265
First, for background, here is an overview of the most common video compression standard in use today, H264:…

ASOE Physics Past Exams: Yearly Issues & Corrections
ASOE Physics — Review of Past Exam Issues
ref: http://asi.edu.au/programs/past-exams/physics-olympiad-past-exams/Classification of issues:
[1*]…

Android Ringtone Picker with RingtoneManager (Java)
Android Ringtone Picker using RingtoneManager
In article, I will show you how to create a ringtone picker using the RingtoneManager class in Android.…

5 Experts on How AI Will Reshape STEM: Lab to Classroom
Answer: AI, and more specifically machine learning, is already reshaping STEM through faster image and data analysis, automated grading and mastery-learning…

AI in STEM: Physics Forums Advisors Share Their Views
Physics Forums advisors expect AI to arrive unevenly across STEM: faster in narrow, well-defined tasks like long-haul trucking routes or lab data analysis,…

Android Rooting & Magisk Guide: Systemless Root Tips
Android Rooting & Magisk Guide: Systemless Root Tips
Overview
What you can learn from this article:What is meant by rooting an Android phone
…

Debloating Android Phones: Risks, Myths and Safe Tips
What is bloatware?
Stock firmware and preinstalled apps
When you unbox a new phone, it comes with Android pre-installed by the manufacturer. This is…

How to Ask ‘What If’ Physics Questions: Avoiding Pitfalls
Overview of "What If" Questions
We receive many "what if" questions here on Physics Forums. This article explores three common types and offers suggestions…

Evaluate Camera Lens Performance Using an LCD Display
Introduction
I've done plenty of imaging performance testing on a variety of systems, from millimeter wave to UV. Until very recently, such testing required…

Revolutionary Technologies and Discoveries in 20 Years
Experts weigh in: Most revolutionary technologies and discoveries in the next 20 years
We asked our Physics Forums science advisors, "What technology…

Aiming High and Managing Distractions as Keys to Success for Science Majors
Overview
Over the years, I've noticed some distinct trends among the physics and chemistry majors I've mentored and worked with.
Those with GPAs in…

An Accurate Simple Harmonic Oscillator Laboratory
[CONTENT]
Learning ObjectivesExecute a specific experimental procedure to test a specific hypothesis.
Use the Tracker video analysis software for…

Beginner Telescope Buying Guide: Dobsonians, Binoculars & More
A beginner telescope buyer should start with 7x50 binoculars and star charts, then join a local astronomy club to try different telescopes before buying.…

What Are Your Favorite Science or Math Blogs?
We asked our PF Advisors to tell us what their favorite science or math blog is (other than PF Insights).We also have a physics blog list here.Here…

What Academic Advice Would You Tell Your 18 Year Old Self?
We asked our PF Advisors to tell us what academic advice would you tell your 18 year old self. Here are their responses…
PF Advisors' Academic AdviceThanks…

What’s Your Most Memorable Textbook?
We asked our PF Advisors to tell us their most memorable or influential textbook and why. Here are their responses...
PF Advisors' Favorite TextbooksThanks…

3 Tips for Calmer, Civil Debate and Better Conversations
Introduction
Civil discussion and debate are critical to Physics Forums. But it is also important in everyday life. When arguments get overheated, people…

The Birth of a Physics Textbook: An Author’s Journey
It is said that you should accomplish three things in life:Plant a tree.
Have a child.
Write a book.Out of the three, I have…

Exam Tips & Test Strategies: Practical Study Techniques
Managing Exam Stress
Exam situations are always situations of stress. It comes with our endeavor to be as good as possible and our fear of failure. Some…

Solar System Imaging: Telescope, Camera & Filters Guide
Introduction
Some of the most visible features in our sky are solar system objects: the Sun, the Moon, and the planets. These objects are generally much…

Machine Code to IDEs: A Guide to Programming Language Types
Computer languages fall into a small number of core types: machine language (raw binary instructions), assembly language (human-readable mnemonics for…

Tripod Guide: Parts, Types, and Uses for Photographers
Click for complete series
Part 1: Introduction
Part 2: Compact Point and Shoot
Part 3: DSLR
Part 4: TripodsWhy use a tripod?
…

DSLR Guide: Lenses, Aberrations, Filters & Techniques
Part 1: Introduction
Part 2: Compact Point and Shoot
Part 3: DSLR
Part 4: TripodsI'm ready for a DSLR!
These cameras were originally designed…

Astrophotography: Mounts, Tracking & Image Processing
Series linksPart 1: Introduction to Astrophotography
Part 2: Intermediate Astrophotography
Part 3: Advanced AstrophotographyMotivation
"I’ve…

Astrophotography Guide: Equipment, Exposure & Processing
Complete Series
Part 1: Introduction Astrophotography
Part 2: Intermediate Astrophotography
Part 3: Advanced Astrophotography
Level…

Astrophotography Guide: Beginner to Advanced Tips & Gear
Part 1: Introduction to Astrophotography
Part 2: Intermediate Astrophotography
Part 3: Advanced AstrophotographySeries & prerequisites
For…

Digital Camera Buyer’s Guide: Bridge Cameras
Click for complete seriesPart 1: Introduction
Part 2: Compact Point and Shoot
Part 3: DSLR
Part 4: TripodsWho this guide is for
This…

Ultimate Digital Camera Buyer’s Guide: Compacts, DSLR and Tripods
Introduction
Who this guide is for
First, congratulations! Camera technology has advanced to the point where a complete novice, using an entry-level…

Digital Camera Buyer’s Guide — Choose the Best Camera
Complete seriesIntroduction
Overview
First, congratulations! Camera technology has advanced so much that a complete novice using an entry-level camera…

So I Am Your Intro Physics Instructor
I posted this elsewhere (on my blog), and someone mentioned that maybe it might also be useful here on PF. So I'm reproducing the entire entry here in…

Hardware, Software, and C Programming Quality Tips
On Hardware Quality
Designing Quality vs Testing
It is impossible to test quality into a product. Quality must be designed into the product.
Production…

Self-Study Guide: How to Learn Abstract Algebra Step by Step
Self-studying abstract algebra requires only precalculus-level math and basic familiarity with mathematical proofs. A practical path runs from proof-writing…

Why Math Self-Study Projects Fail (And How to Avoid It)
Most self-study math projects fail for a handful of predictable reasons: mismatched help, rushing through material, discouragement from slow visible progress,…

High School Physics: Courses, Resources, and Prep Guide
Why High School Physics Matters
A year-long high school Physics course is important preparation for all college majors in science, engineering, and medicine…

Self-Study Analysis: Metric Spaces, Measure Theory & More
Direct answer: After finishing analysis on real numbers and n-dimensional real space, the recommended path for self-study is Carothers' Real Analysis for…

Learn Linear Algebra: Best Textbooks and Study Roadmap
What Is the Best Way to Learn Linear Algebra?
The most effective path through linear algebra emphasizes vector spaces and linear transformations rather…

Top High School College-Prep Math Options & Resources
The popularity of homeschooling and failures of the public schools often present the need for parents to teach or supplement college preparatory math courses…

Low IQ or Bad Grades? Why You Can Still Succeed in Math
No, a low IQ score, poor competition results, or weak high-school grades do not disqualify anyone from succeeding in mathematics, physics, or engineering.…

University Math for High Schoolers: Where to Start
High school students who want a taste of university-level mathematics before they graduate can start now with subjects like abstract algebra, linear algebra,…

Guide to Successful Science Fair Projects & Mentoring
Abstract
Over the past few years, the author and his wife have served as teachers, qualified scientists, mentors, and/or parents on dozens of science projects…

Pure Geometry Study Guide: Books & Roadmap for Students
Introduction to Pure Geometry
Why study pure geometry?
Geometry is one of the oldest parts of mathematics. It has been studied and advanced by the greatest…

Self-Study Analysis: A Proof-to-Manifolds Roadmap
Direct answer: To self-study real analysis from a calculus background, follow this sequence: complete a proof-writing book (Velleman's How to Prove It…

A Guide to Going Back to School For Math or Science
Motivations for creating the series
I came to Physics Forums originally to read ZapperZ’s thread about becoming a physicist back in 2013. It was one…

How to Self-Study Calculus: Topics and Book Guide
To self-study calculus, work through four core areas in order: differentiation, integration, sequences and series, then multivariable calculus. Each builds…

Doubt vs. Discouragement: A Physics Student’s Calculus Story
Overcoming discouragement means recognizing that another person's doubt about your ability is not evidence of your limits. The author failed a calculus…

How to Overcome Procrastination: 8 Proven Methods
Procrastination is a predictable pattern of avoidance behavior, not simply laziness or poor time management. It splits into two main types: anxious procrastination,…

CV Tips for Physicists: Secure Postdoc & Research Jobs
Full Chapter List - So You Want To Be A Physicist... Series
Part I: Early Physics Education in High schools
Part II: Surviving the First Year…

Postdoctoral Positions: How to Succeed as a Physicist
Full Chapter List - So You Want To Be A Physicist... Series
Part I: Early Physics Education in High schools
Part II: Surviving the First Year…

Physics PhD Job Search: Start Well Before Graduation
Full Chapter List - So You Want To Be A Physicist... Series
Part I: Early Physics Education in High schools
Part II: Surviving the First Year…

Preparing for Your Physics PhD Thesis Defense Effectively
Overview: The Thesis Defense
At this point you have completed writing your thesis, your adviser has approved it, and you have distributed it to all members…

Writing Your Doctoral Thesis: Guide for Physics Grad
Full Chapter List - So You Want To Be A Physicist... Series
Part I: Early Physics Education in High schools
Part II: Surviving the First Year…

APS March & April Meetings: Guide for Physics Grad Students
Overview of the APS March and April Meetings
I'll try not to make a habit out of this, but I believe there's something to add to this chapter of the…

How to Publish in a Physics Journal (Addendum)
Full Chapter List - So You Want To Be A Physicist... SeriesPart I: Early Physics Education in High schools
Part II: Surviving the First Year of College
…

Presenting Physics Research: Conference Tips for Students
Part I: Early Physics Education in High Schools
Part II: Surviving the First Year of College
Part III: Mathematical Preparations
Part IV: The…

How to Write a Master Degree Thesis As a Physics Major
Your First Scientific Paper Ought to be good!
Structure and Contents of a Master's Degree Thesis
This guide was written some years ago as a guideline for…

How to Publish Your PhD Research in Physics Journals
Full Chapter List - So You Want To Be A Physicist... Series
Part I: Early Physics Education in High schools
Part II: Surviving the First Year…

Research Ethics for Physicists: Keep a Detailed Lab Notebook
Starting Your Research and Keeping Good Records
Now, where were we? Oh yes — you have started your actual research work. You and your adviser have…

Choosing a Physics Research Advisor in Graduate School
Full Chapter List - So You Want To Be A Physicist... Series
Part I: Early Physics Education in High schools
Part II: Surviving the First Year…

Pass Physics Grad Qualifying Exams: Strategies & Plan
Full Chapter List - So You Want To Be A Physicist... SeriesPart I: Early Physics Education in High schools
Part II: Surviving the First Year of College
…

Entering Physics Graduate School Without a Physics Degree
Can you enter physics graduate school without a physics degree?
I decided to write about this because it is a very common question on many physics forums:…

Guide to Publishing in Peer Reviewed Journals
From Concept to Manuscript
You've done the science. You had an idea, performed an extensive literature review, designed an experiment, ran the experiment,…

Careers with a Physics Degree: Alternatives & Advice
Full Chapter List - So You Want To Be A Physicist... Series
Part I: Early Physics Education in High schools
Part II: Surviving the First Year…

Physics Blogs You Need to Be Reading
These are some of the best physics blogs, updated regularly, written by some of the top minds. The feeds are updated on page refresh, so bookmark this…

Understanding the US Physics Graduate School System
Full Chapter List - So You Want To Be A Physicist... Series
Part I: Early Physics Education in High schools
Part II: Surviving the First Year…

5 Common MATLAB Error Messages and How to Fix Them
MATLAB error messages like "Inner matrix dimensions must agree" or "Index exceeds matrix dimensions" almost always trace back to five common mistakes:…

Physics Graduate Assistantships: TA vs RA Explained
Full Chapter List - So You Want To Be A Physicist... SeriesPart I: Early Physics Education in High schools
Part II: Surviving the First Year of College
…

Physics Grad School: Senior-Year Application Guide
Full Chapter List - So You Want To Be A Physicist... SeriesPart I: Early Physics Education in High schools
Part II: Surviving the First Year of College
…

Physics Major Guide: Succeed in Years 3–4 and Research
Full Chapter List - So You Want To Be A Physicist... SeriesPart I: Early Physics Education in High schools
Part II: Surviving the First Year of College
…

How to Become a Medical Physicist in 3653 Easy Steps
For many physics students, Medical Physics is that branch of the discipline that seems to hover in the no-man's land between academia and "industry." It's…

Mathematical Prep for Physics Majors — Essential Guide
Full Chapter List - So You Want To Be A Physicist... Series
Part I: Early Physics Education in High schools
Part II: Surviving the First Year…

Essential Guide: Surviving Your First Year in Physics
Part II: Surviving the First Year of College
This part covers survival tips for the first two undergraduate years. You’re now in college and intend…

Early Physics Education in High Schools For Physics Majors
So You Want to Be a Physicist: A 22-Part GuideFull Chapter List - So You Want To Be A Physicist... SeriesPart I: Early Physics Education in High…

Overcoming Challenges of Self-Studying Number Theory
Introduction
During my summer break I spent several hours each day self-studying mathematics—primarily number theory—even though I had no prior experience…

9 Warning Signs of Pseudoscience You Should Know
Genuine science follows the scientific method: testable predictions, sound reasoning, and reproducible evidence. Pseudoscience borrows scientific-sounding…

Solar Eclipse Viewing & Safety Guide: What to Expect
A solar eclipse is safe to view with the naked eye only during totality, the brief period when the Moon completely covers the Sun. At every other stage…

The Science Crackpot Index and Bingo Game
The Physics Forums Crackpot Index is a point-based checklist used to evaluate whether a scientific argument is being made in good faith. Higher point totals…

Digital Modeling Amps Explained: DSP Tone Simulation Guide
Digital modeling gear uses digital signal processing (DSP) to approximate the tone and dynamic response of analog amplifiers and effects. Examples include…
